The Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act (PAPA), a bill strongly supported by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) that would prohibit the misuse of ADS-B data, was highlighted during a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) yesterday. In his testimony, Reliable Robotics CEO Robert Rose urged Congress to encourage broader adoption of ADS-B Out, such as reinstating the ADS-B Out rebate program that was in place prior to the 2020 ADS-B Out mandate. Rose added that PAPA would help improve adoption as well. During an exchange with Rep. Bob Onder (R-Mo.)—an instrument-rated private pilot and the sponsor of H.R. 4146 (PAPA)—both underscored the importance of ensuring ADS-B data is used solely for its intended purpose: air traffic safety and airspace efficiency. Both felt ADS-B data should not be used to monetize airport landing fees—it should only be used for safety, collision avoidance, and situational awareness in the cockpit. A companion bill, S. 2175, has been introduced in the Senate.
     —Please visit https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/allnews/2025/december/04/pr-aopa-backed-ads-b-privacy-bill-highlighted-in-house-hearing to read more.